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Your friend has hurt himself, but there's no help to be had where you are. You're going to have to move him. But, how can you do it safely? By using an assist or carry.
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This is for someone who has suffered a minor injury and merely feels weak. He can still walk, but needs help.
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Bring one arm over your shoulder.
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Grasp his wrist with the hand now below the arm.
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Place your free arm around his waist.
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In this manner, walk slowly to your destination. Allow the victim to set the pace.
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This is for a victim who is too tired to walk, and you have no one else to assist you with the carrying.
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Kneel in front of the victim with your back to his chest.
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Grasp his hands over your chest.
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Slowly stand up, lifting with your legs to avoid straining your back.
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Carry the victim piggyback to your destination. If the victim is small enough to carry in front of you, this may work easier than heaving them over your back. Place one arm around their back and the other hand under their legs. This carry is used mainly for women and children.
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This carry is for a conscious victim who cannot walk. This requires two rescuers.
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Each rescuer grasps his own right wrist with his left hand.
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The two rescuers then grasp the others' left forearm with their right hand.
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The interlocked rescuers squat down and allot the victim to sit down on their interlocked arms.
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The victim wraps his arms around the rescuers shoulders for balance.
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The two rescuers stand up slowly and walk to your destination.
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This is another carry for two rescuers. It will work for an unconscious victim as well as a conscious one.
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The two rescuers kneel down on either side of the victim.
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Each rescuer slides one arm under the victim's back, and one under his thighs.
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The bearers grasp each others wrists and shoulders.
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They then rise from the ground slowly with the patient supported between them.
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The two walk slowly to their destination. In all rescues, call emergency care as soon as possible.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I assist someone when I'm also injured?Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure.The first thing you need to do is take care of your own injuries. By looking after yourself first, you make sure you’re in good enough shape to help others without making things worse for yourself. For example, if your arm is injured, secure yourself first by making a temporary splint using sturdy sticks and a piece of fabric or a shirt. This gives your limb enough support to allow you to use your other hand or continue moving. You need to stabilize yourself first so you can think clearly and act decisively. Once you’ve taken care of your immediate needs, shift your attention to the person who needs help. If they require a splint or a bandage, use your knowledge and available resources to improvise. Clothing, branches, and other materials from the environment can become lifesaving tools. Keeping the injured person calm and reassuring them goes a long way in emergencies—and assess whether evacuation is necessary or if it’s better to stay put until further help arrives.
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